Whether it’s the official photos or those snatched Instagram moments, you want to look nothing but fabulous for your wedding. We asked DEBORAH MITCHELL, founder of Heaven Skincare to reveal the secrets to bridal beauty.
Understandably, when it comes to your big day every bride wants to look her beautiful best from top to toe. From the perfect manicure to a radiant complexion, it’s all about looking polished, flawless and glowing. To help organise your very own bridal to-do-list, renowned facialist to royalty and the A-list Deborah Mitchell shares her top tips for the run-up to the most special of occasions.
IN THE MONTHS BEFORE
“If you are going to try a facial treatment you’ve not had before I always tell me clients to test it out at least three months in advance. It’ll come as no surprise that anxiety levels can go sky-high in the build-up to tying the knot and this can make your skin far more susceptible to allergies and break-outs. It’s also wise to choose organic skincare – like my Heaven Skincare collection – that’s packed with natural ingredients that won’t give you any issues.
“There are so many great laser treatments on the high street that can tackle a range of skincare woes, from blemishes to wrinkles. If you’re tempted, book in as soon as you’ve picked your dress – your complexion can look amazing straight afterwards but the best results can take up to six months to show.”
IN THE WEEKS BEFORE
“Getting your makeup right is essential for you to feel comfortable throughout your wedding day – you want to look gorgeously glamorous but equally you still want to look like you. Organise your make up lesson a month in advance and again one or two weeks before. You can even ask your makeup artist to do your face for your hen do so you’re completely happy with the look. Don’t be tempted to have your trial-run too early – skin tone can change quite noticeably over a number of months and you may find the end result doesn’t suit you as much as it did.
“A slimming body massage – such as Heaven’s Bee Slim treatment – is ideal if you want to contour those hips. I recommend a course of between three and five sessions to not only give you a smoother shape but also allow you time away from worrying about your wedding prep to relax.
“Teeth-whitening has become a very popular procedure … but it can set you back a penny or two. If funds are tight, simple home remedies can work – a mix of lemon juice and bicarbonate of soda is a cheap and effective way to a great smile (just remember, steer clear of red wine or black coffee for a while afterwards as they can stain).
“Nails should be high on your list of priorities, after all you’ll be keen to show that ring off to anyone and everyone. Gel nails will give you the most professional finish and there’s a huge array of colours to choose from. They’ll last about three weeks so why not have your toes done too for those honeymoon poolside photos.
“Book in for your lash lift and tint about a week before the big day to ensure there’s no reaction; and I would suggest you don’t use any eye cream in the days beforehand – all that running around and lack of sleep can make your eyes puffy and tired-looking and oily or greasy creams won’t help.”
HAVE A BEAUTY-THEMED HEN DO
“When there are so many other things to spend your wedding budget on, endless beauty treatments may be way down on your to-do list. My advice would be to save money by combining your hen do with skincare therapies or massages and book you and your friends into your favourite spa for an afternoon of treats. At Heaven’s salons in Shifnal and Harvey Nichols Birmingham, we offer brides complimentary treatments and a glass of bubbly to make the celebration even more special. And don’t forget to ask your therapist for free samples so you have a ready-made skincare kit for your special day.
HEAVEN’S FIVE WEDDING SKINCARE MUST-HAVES
The three innovative Heaven Hydrogels, £19 – in Peppermint, Orange Flower and Chamomile – feed and water skin and at the same time remove traces of makeup, soothe and repair, diminish blemishes and minimise redness and inflammation. They also make the perfect base for you foundation.
The multi-functional Heaven Willowbee® Mask & Cleanse, £55, not only detoxes skin, but heals imperfection and targets signs of ageing. It’s the first Heaven product that contains bark from the willow tree, a natural and organic alternative to aspirin. Because of these anti-inflammatory and healing properties it is ideal for all skin types, especially those who suffer from acne and spot breakouts, rosacea and eczema.
Heaven Bee Polish, £37, is the first non-abrasive, anti-ageing exfoliator with patented ABEETOXIN®. This exclusive formula of bee venom and glycolic acid (raw cane sugar) can alleviate fine lines and wrinkles and lighten pigmentation. At the same time it also extracts toxins without harming the outer layer of the skin.
As divine as its name suggested, the luxurious Heaven Divine Cream, £64, is suitable for all skin types but it works particularly well on more mature complexions thanks to its innovative anti-ageing properties. It contains organic mandarin and orange, both natural sources of vitamin C, to help increase collagen and elastin levels for a more youthful appearance.
Heaven’s Clarifying Serum, £55, is perfect for those who suffer with eczema or sensitive skin, thanks to the microbes, which natural occur in the oil, that kill off bacteria to bring the skin back to equilibrium. Because of its soothing scent, it also promotes relaxation and induces sleep – apply one or two drops after you cleansing routine or add to your favourite moisturiser.
